MANAGER Liam McDonald has backed striker Jamie Spencer to hit the goal trail for Redditch United.

Spencer scored from the spot as the Reds made sure of a hard-earned point in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Weymouth.

The centre-forward is set to have his chance to shine on a regular basis over the next few weeks because of a host of injuries and suspensions.

Redditch, who lost 1-0 to Paulton on Tuesday, were without the injured Leavi Oshungbure, Jermaine Hylton and Jamie Molyneux, as well as suspended pair Max Loveridge and Ashley Sammons.

McDonald had to throw reserve teamer man Liam Fullerton into his starting 11 and call upon rookie D’Marni Wisdom and produced a gritty display to steady the ship in the 4-0 loss to Hitchin and their FA Cup exit against Evesham United.

“Jamie knows he’s going to get a run of games in the side and I think he will score goals for us,” said McDonald.

“He’s a local lad and it would be great for the fans if one of their own was doing well.

“We showed a lot of character against Weymouth. “It’s probably the worst we’ve played all season but we got a point from it.”

United’s manager has looked to strengthen and has brought in former Aston Villa youth midfielder Malcolm Melvin and brought back gifted midfielder Umit Eminoglu.

Eminoglu, who had a brief spell at United last season, had been playing for Turkish level-two club Giresunspor and the club are awaiting international clearance.

McDonald is also tracking a forward believed to be playing in step six of the Non-League pyramid.

He said: “Unlike some clubs we are working under financial constraints. The chairman backs me 100 per cent, and if I wanted to bring in a player on loan then he would do his best to make it happen.

“But for me I would rather see the young guys like Liam Fullerton given a chance. That’s my decision and he and others are the future of the club.”

United go to Slough in the Southern League Premier on Saturday (3pm ko).